Research

Our Methods

We exploit different types of light-gated protein-protein interactions to develop optogenetic control over biological processes of interest.

For example, during light-inducible homo-interaction, the same type of photo-switchable proteins will associate under light stimulation. In optogenetic applications, this photo-switchable protein can be fused to the target protein whose function can be activated by its homo-binding, which consequently enables the optical activation of the target protein.

Similarly, during light-actuated hetero-dimerization, the photo-sensory protein can bind with its binding partner upon light exposure. It can be used to elicit the association of two different target proteins or protein relocation to activate related biological activities.